New Digital Support Platform For SMEs

A small-scale enterprise displays wares at a Trade Fair.

Invest In Africa (IIA), an independent non-profit organisation, has appointed Ghanaian software developer, SOFTtribe Limited to build its digital support platform for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

The support platform called the African Partner Pool (APP) is Ghana's first cross-sector online platform connecting Ghanaian businesses to new markets and international investors.

The APP would be officially launched on 28th October 2014, and businesses in areas such as light industry, manufacturing, procurement and supply of logistics have been validated and registered to operate on the platform.

The APP would make it easy for multinationals to find quality local suppliers with proven track-record.

Local SMEs would have greater access to these multinationals on the APP and a diverse portfolio of business training opportunities.

SMEs registered on the APP would also be able to access tenders from multinationals on the platform.

Sam Brandful, IIA's Ghana Country Manager, in a statement said, 'Our partnership with SOFTtribe has come at a time when the need to promote local content in all business facets is key.

'It is our vision as IIA to facilitate growth and development of local businesses in Ghana by providing multinationals with details of accredited local companies.'

Herman Chinery-Hesse, SOFTtribe Ltd's Chief Executive Officer (CEO), said his outfit has vast experience in the design and implementation of computerized business application systems in Ghana and parts of the West African sub-region for the past 20 years.

He said, 'We are glad to bring on board this experience that will ultimately benefit SMEs in Ghana.'

 
By Cephas Larbi
[email protected]